Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint. It occurs when the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes thick, tight, and stiff. This can cause pain and limit the shoulder's range of motion. Frozen shoulder can be a painful and frustrating condition to deal with, but there are several treatment options that can help alleviate symptoms and improve range of motion in the shoulder joint. In today’s blog, we will be going through a few of the options available at Rosedale Chiropractic & Massage Clinic in Hamilton, ON.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. These include age (people over 40 are more likely to develop frozen shoulder), gender (women are more likely than men to develop it), and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease. Hormonal changes and genetics may also play a role. Frozen shoulder can also occur shortly after trauma to the shoulder, like a slip and fall or a car accident.
What Kind of Symptoms Should I Look For?
The symptoms of frozen shoulder usually develop gradually and can include pain in the shoulder, stiffness in the shoulder, limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, and difficulty sleeping due to pain and discomfort. You will usually lose the ability to lift the arm above the head as well as out to the side of your body. Typically, women will first notice difficulty reaching behind their back while getting dressed.
What Treatment Options Do I Have?
There are several treatment options available for frozen shoulder, including medications, Chiropractic care and surgery. While there is limited evidence to suggest that Chiropractic care or IASTM are directly effective treatments for frozen shoulder, Acupuncture may be a useful complementary therapy for reducing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The treatment for frozen shoulder usually involves a combination of the above noted therapies and pain management. Exercises and Adjustments to the spine provided by your Chiropractor may help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness in the shoulder, while pain management through Acupuncture can help alleviate any discomfort. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to help reduce inflammation and pain. If you are considering corticosteroids or any other medical intervention, it is crucial that you discuss those options with your Medical Doctor. At-home remedies such as applying a cold pack to the shoulder, avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort, and using heat therapy can also be helpful.
How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Last?
It's important to note that Frozen Shoulder can take several months to resolve, and in some cases, it may take up to two years to fully recover. It's important to work closely with your Hamilton Chiropractor to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. With the right treatment, most people are able to regain full range of motion in the affected shoulder.
Conclusion
Frozen Shoulder can come on out of nowhere, or it can be the result of your age, gender, or a recent accident. As painful and limiting as it may be, know that you have options to help you deal with your condition. Your first step is to contact your Hamilton Chiropractor at Rosedale Chiropractic & Massage to help you address your concerns, work through the diagnosis, and find care for your pain.
"Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 Oct. 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684.
Page, Phil, et al. "Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Management of Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis." British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 50, no. 5, 2016, pp. 313-319, doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095270.
Gummesson, Christina, et al. "The Swedish Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI): A Validation Study." Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, vol. 16, no. 4, 2002, pp. 301-307, doi: 10.1046/j.1471-6712.2002.00096.x.
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